DISCRIMINATION, STIGMATISATION AND RIGHTS OF AUTISTIC CHILDREN TO HEALTH IN UGANDA

Abstract

Autism spectrum is a neurodevelopmental disorder that has adverse effects on the
development of an individual. This condition usually impairs an individual‟s ability to
carry out ordinary day-to-day functions such as eating, bathing, socializing and
communication. If detected early, some of these skills can be taught to improve the
individual‟s quality of life as they grow into adulthood. However, autism is usually
misunderstood and misdiagnosed as a mental disorder to the detriment of the autistic
child. In fact, some societies in Africa attribute this condition to a curse, evil spirit
possession, or sins of the parents which usually leads to discrimination and
stigmatisation. Caregivers and parents often hide autistic children from society for fear
of judgment or derison. As a result, some autistic children are only let out in the open
when it is extremely necessary because of their underdeveloped social skills. Such
concealment is detrimental to autistic children and prevents them from accessing life
changing help required for their intellectual and social development. In addition,
specialist autistic care is often too expensive for parents and guardians. These factors
usually leave autistic children at the mercy of fate even where there is a willingness to
seek help. This article seeks to establish an understanding of the autistic disorder and
the effect it has on the development of an individual. The article also explores the
problem of discrimination and stigmatization of autistic children in Uganda with
particular emphasis on the right to healthcare